The Wheatsheaf, Fulham

Awkwardly placed, this is fairly large venue that doesn't know quite how to handle it's size. Nice and spacious, but also a bit bland and lacking in character.

Good prices for drinks and food, and the food itself is very impressive.

Avoid when a big sports match is on, but aside from that, definitely worth a visit for a meal or a few drinks.

25 Jul 2010 21:32

The Pitcher and Piano, Fulham

Closing this week after decades of business - very sad to see it go, but the mass exodus of antipodean working holiday makers that kept it afloat with Sunday evening parties kick started it's decline. Towards the end, on the average week night you'd have been lucky to see more than a dozen or so people drinking there, and sometimes half that. This place was an institution for many, many years but ultimately, a massively refurbished and relaunched bar across the road attracted more trade, so the P&P were left with the die-hard regulars, despite offering better prices and friendlier staff.

The place had the best staff in all of Fulham, and nowhere else could touch it for that. It struggled with producing good quality food but it wasn't bad by any means.

Ultimately, one of the giants of this end of Fulham with a worldwide reputation and history, has fallen. Rumour has it that a licensed venue is already lined up to replace this one, so we will see what will become of it.

25 Jul 2010 21:27

The Durell, Fulham

The last year has seen the Durell transform, aesthetically. Where once bland and ageing, it now looks really nice and a lot of care and effort has gone in to a comprehensive refurbishment. The toilets still leave a lot to be desired but aside from that, it feels like a good place to be. On a weekend, after what seems like countless changes in management, there finally seems to be some consistency here with a good quality band playing at weekends (although disappointingly, bog standard commercial cheese replaces them when finished)

Aside from the look, there are one or two issues here. This is a pricey place to drink - you don't have to travel much further down the road to find places significantly cheaper than here. It's not all about cost, granted, but I've drunk in Mayfair for cheaper than it costs here, so they definitely lose points for overpricing their alcohol. Additionally, the food is average - nothing special here.

I'd suggest it as a place to have a drink or two but don't plan on leaving without having spent more than you probably should on a night out if you spend any longer.

25 Jul 2010 21:18